Employability Skills Program (ESP)

Pre-Tech for 9th graders

Employability Skills Program (ESP) – Build Skills, Build Confidence, Build Your Future

The Employability Skills Program (ESP) is a pre-technical program designed for motivated 9th grade students who want to get a head start on their future. Students are accepted through a referral and application process and join a supportive environment where they build the skills that employers—and life—demand.

The focus is on developing core employability skills: professional attributes, career preparation, critical and creative thinking, communication, and safety. But these aren’t just taught in the classroom—they’re practiced through real-world activities like woodworking, hiking and trail work, greenhouse projects, and team-based challenges.

Students also get the chance to explore other programs within the building, discovering where their interests and talents might take them. For 9th graders, the program expands into community job sites, giving them firsthand experience in the world of work. Along the way, they’ll strengthen academic skills too, with math and writing integrated into their projects. Plus, 9th graders can earn credits in math, physical education, and fine arts.

A unique feature of ESP is the chance to earn the Passport to Tools through the Woodwork Career Alliance—a credential that provides a head start for anyone interested in building construction or woodworking.

Earn Professional Certifications

10-hour OSHA Certification – General Industry

S/P2 Professional Skills Certification

👉 ESP is about more than learning—it’s about preparing, exploring, and discovering the path that’s right for you.

Career & Life Opportunities with ESP

While the Employability Skills Program is a starting point, it opens the door to countless opportunities:

Career Exploration – Discover interests across multiple fields and technical programs.
Community Connections – Gain early experience through job site placements.
Professional Readiness – Develop communication, teamwork, and leadership skills employers want.
Technical Foundations – Build introductory skills in woodworking, greenhouse work, and more.
Pathway to CTE Programs – Transition into advanced programs in construction, trades, healthcare, technology, and beyond.
Future Credentials – Begin stacking certifications, like the Woodwork Career Alliance’s Passport to Tools.

By focusing on employability, exploration, and experience, ESP prepares students not only for their next program in high school, but for the world of work and opportunity ahead.